vasoconstriction

noun

va·​so·​con·​stric·​tion ˌvā-zō-kən-ˈstrik-shən 

: narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels

Examples of vasoconstriction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oscillating between vasodilation and vasoconstriction acts as a workout for your vascular system in the same way that bicep curls are a workout for your arms, Josh Hagen, MS, PhD, the faculty director of the Human Performance Collaborative at The Ohio State University, tells SELF. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026

How decongestants works Decongestants shrink swollen tissues and blood vessels through a process called vasoconstriction. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

The method works through vasoconstriction and vasodilation (tightening and widening blood vessels), which moves blood and byproducts more efficiently. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025

Cold weather also causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), according to London, which increases the risk of plaque rupture and the potential for heart attack. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + constriction, after French vaso-constriction

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasoconstriction

• bronchoconstriction
• magnetostriction
• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• restriction

Medical Definition

vasoconstriction

noun

va·​so·​con·​stric·​tion -kən-ˈstrik-shən 

: narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels especially as a result of vasomotor action